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| Here's the latest admonition from the Mean Ol' Schoolmarm. Don't mess with her. She'll whack your knuckles with a ruler. |
The Mean Ol’ Schoolmarm Moment of the day is…
Compliment v. Complement
Compliment: an expression of admiration, congratulations, and/or praise.Complement: something that completes nicely, makes a whole, or makes perfect.
The word compliment is often incorrectly used in place of complement.
SENTENCES
Correct: The music was the perfect complement to the slideshow.Incorrect: The music was the perfect compliment to the slideshow.
Correct: The man’s business partner brought complementary strengths to the table.
Incorrect: The man’s business partner brought complimentary strengths to the table.
(Note: there are alternate definitions for complement, but I’m focusing on the one that causes the most confusion.)
SUMMARY
Compliment = To offer praise. He paid me the highest compliment yesterday.Complement = To complete or make whole. Marie’s outgoing personality proved to be the perfect complement to her husband’s shyness.
Until Next Time,
The Mean Ol’ Schoolmarm
